Man, that was fast!!!

In some ways the latest conference (potential) came about quickly; however Rick, Kim, Carol, and I have wanted to do this for years.

Rick and Kim Beck were in our youth group in Memphis over 25 years ago.  They were then and are now wonderful, passionate people who love Jesus, each other, and share a burden for those without a relationship with Christ.  For years they've served with Youth for Christ and are now missionaries to Honduras.  We have had great talks about a potential marriage conference for the missionaries there, but until now things never seemed to fit.  Now they do.

Just a few days ago, Kim and I were on Facebooking about the need there and our new ministry TBI.  We sorta' wondered out loud if God would allow us to go there for the missionary couples to have time to invest in each other and have others invest in them.  That led to our talking about when that would be possible, what time of year, etc.  Kim said, "Well, April and May are really great months in the schedules of most missionaries.  I inquired, "You mean this year?"  Her answer sticks in my brain, "Well, next year may be too late for some!"  That was it for me.  We determined to discuss the possibility with Rick and Carol.

Since that time we've seen the following fall into place:
1.  Rick put together a budget to approximate the cost of a conference in Honduras for May, 2011.
2.  I sent a message to our board and prayer team to ask for prayer.
3.  I spoke to one of the couples we are currently mentoring - affectionately known as Couple #3 for confidentiality purposes.  I asked him to pray about this possibility with me.
4.  Since he is already a contributor to TBI, he asked a follow-up question:  "What do you want me to pray?" I said, "...for wisdom about going to Honduras so soon."  His response also sticks in my mind: "Well is it a need there?" To which I replied, "Yes a critical one."  Then he said, "Well there is no question; you have to do it!!"
5.  My mind was spinning because I did feel compelled to go, led to go; but I knew that money was an "issue".
6.  He said he'd match what came in.  I asked for clarification because I know some people mean well but can't follow through for various reasons.  His clarification....clarified...."I will match what comes in."
7.  The next day Carol, Jeanne, and I attended a training conference in Roswell, where we learned alongside our dear friends  - a TBI board member and his wife. 
9.  When we got home that night after the conference, Carol handed me a check that this couple had given to us after being led of God to contribute toward Honduras or "whatever we needed it for".  I was blown away.
10.  I texted Couple #3 to let him know what had come in and he doubled the amount right there and then.  So, we are almost fully funded for the Honduras trip as God continues to open doors.

Honduras looks like a "Go" for sure.  Would you now join us praying about the couples who need to be there since the space is limited?

I have no doubt that God will supply the rest to make it possible for us to help keep expenses low and affordable for the missionary couples as well as pay our transportation costs.


The blessings of God have once again poured into our circle of experience from places I had no idea He'd bring them,  in order to advance His work and His kingdom.

So many things are going on, it is hard to keep up with them all but this list will give you some idea:
a.  Conference in North Georgia with Harmony Grove Baptist Church couples was awesome.
b.  Conference in Pennsylvania with couples from PA, NJ, CT, NY was awesome too.
c.  Marriage Ministry groups are launching in the area as a result of the marriage conference in PA.
d.  Presenting the need for greater focus on marriage ministry at a conference in Austin, TX with Dr. Ferguson.
e.  Dr. Ferguson, author of Intimate Encounters Workbook,  has been kind to us and included us in many opportunities to network TBI with other marriage ministry opportunities, including giving us the last day of the upcoming Galatians 6:6 retreat, April 11-13, at WinShape/Rome, GA to offer pastor/leader couples assistance with marriage mentoring (ongoing) and helping to begin or expand marriage ministries.
f.  Carol and I will travel to Kentucky next weekend where I have the privilege of preaching at my home church in Princeton, KY.
g.  Mentoring 4 or 5 couples via Skype, face to face visits, and phone/email/text conversations.

Heavenly Father, I praise you for these opportunities, but even more I praise you for your life-changing love extended to me in Jesus Christ and gifted to me in the presence of the Holy Spirit within my life.  What an honor it is to be called your child and to get to meet the incredible people you allow my path to cross, not the least of which are those of my own family.  Carol, our kids, and our grandkids, extended families are all blessings. May you powerfully redeem this world and bring about revival in all those open to your Son.  May the Church live loved and give love freely starting at home.  May we as leaders and pastors called to serve, do so from a pure heart and love at home as the platform for demonstrating your love everywhere we go.
  For Jesus and the Kingdom of God in the power of the Holy Spirit,
Amen